Elizabeth man caught with fake bills at Linden store

LINDEN – A 32-year-old Linden man has been arrested and charged with theft by deception for allegedly trying to purchase a money order using eight fake $100 bills.

At about 2:06 p.m. Friday, Linden police responded to the Walmart, 1601 W. Edgar Road, for a report of a man passing counterfeit currency.

The man, Wilfredo Mejia-Mendoza, 32, of Elizabeth, was attempting to obtain a money order at customer service using eight $100 bills. When an employee became suspicious of the bills, the police were notified.

Mendoza, who told officers he obtained the bills from his employer, was placed under arrest and charged with theft by deception.

The U.S. Secret Service was notified and is assisting with the investigation. Mendoza was being held on $50,000 bail.